So, I was just about to update my BLOG (knowing it would be wrong for June to let the month of June pass and not write afewjunethoughts) when I read two recent posts. One gave me information and one (from Patt C) made me laugh out loud. Really, Patt when I wrote that I would update the BLOG weekly, I really meant "weakly." Just joking.
This has been quite the week -- the passing of three iconic figures of popular culture, the blazing heat (why don't we get spring anymore), and the debate over passing an indoor smoking ordinance in the City of St. Louis. BJC has gone on record as supporting the proposed ordinance and Leann Chilton (our Director of Government Affairs) and I were at today's committee hearing on the ordinance that lasted for approximately 3 hours. Leann shared BJC's position of support and I spoke in support as a St. Louis City resident. As a former government employee, I really do love all things political. I love that we live in a country where we have the freedom to adamantly disagree with one another, yet still maintain order and lawfulness. It is a true strength of our system of government that citizens on opposing sides of this issue sat respectfully next to one another, listened to positions they did not agree with, yet did not become disagreeable. The standing room only attendance at this hearing showed that it is an issue that people care about greatly. You just gotta love democracy.
J
4 comments:
I had no idea the city of St. Louis didn't already have an indoor smoking ordinance. You cannot smoke in public buildings or government buildings, I thought all employers banned indoor smoking. So, it this mainly about restaurants? Casinos?
P.S. June, the weakly pun made me LOL!!
Regarding the proposed indoor smoking ordinance, what do you think of the conditionality of the passage, namely it would only go into effect if the County went smoke-free at the same time as the City?
The conditional proposal is intended as protection for the City. Proprietors don't want their smoking diners and drinkers to dash across the County line. It underscores our odd and problematic government structure that separates the two.
Patt, it is mainly about restaurants and bars. And, the provision that the ban goes into affect once the County passes a ban is not that unusual. The Metro tax that passed in the City ever so many years ago also has that kind of trigger langauge. The tax can only be collected, once St. Louis County passes a tax. Again, didn't want to unfairly burden the city retail establishments.
Post a Comment